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Post by clumsythumbs on Mar 17, 2019 15:33:35 GMT -5
Basil growers, a question. Once you think it is starting to bolt, is there anything that can be done to "nip it in the bud" so to speak? I know harvesting often prevents it form bolting, but once you see the signs, is it too late to do anything? Basil plants are on about day ~64.
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ASFx
AGA Sprout
Posts: 130
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Post by ASFx on Mar 17, 2019 15:51:21 GMT -5
Once you start seeing the flower stalks, the countdown has begun no matter what, but normally what i like to do is just cut the plant in half. Way below the flower stalks. That really slows down the bolting, but won't stop it. The flower stalks will still come back in a couple weeks but at least you'll get more leaf growth first. Another good thing about basil is that even when it's bolting, the leaves still taste good. They don't turn super bitter like lettuce does. So if you wanted, you could just leave the flower stocks and enjoy the little flowers as your basil finishes up.
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Post by clumsythumbs on Mar 17, 2019 16:05:01 GMT -5
Ok, thanks. I am not seeing flower stalks yet, per se, but some weird leafing on the top that looked like it would produce flower. I cut one off of one of the basils. Here is a photo of a small version of what I am seeing. I snipped off a larger one that was more developed.  20190317_170204 by Aaron Blasyak, on Flickr Does this look like a flower stalk? That it is on its way to bolting? Thanks for the input! |
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ASFx
AGA Sprout
Posts: 130
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Post by ASFx on Mar 17, 2019 16:26:39 GMT -5
Yup, that set of leaves will definitely turn into a flower stalk. best to cut it off at the node below that if you want to extend the life of the basil as long as possible.
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Post by clumsythumbs on Mar 17, 2019 16:36:10 GMT -5
Excellent. Yes, decided I would consult the board before I hacked all my basil plants up! Thanks for the help, ASFx! |
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ASFx
AGA Sprout
Posts: 130
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Post by ASFx on Mar 17, 2019 16:49:24 GMT -5
One other good thing to know since we're on the topic of herbs bolting... not all herbs will die after flowering. If you look on the seed pack, it'll normally say "Annual", "Biennial" or "Perennial". - Annual plants (like basil, cilantro, parsley, lettuce, etc..) are all supposed to only last 1 season, then eventually bolt, go to seed, and die.
- Biennial plans have a 2 year cycle.
- Perennial plants (sage, oregano, chives, etc..) can live for many years and stay productive. Perennial plants will make flower stocks every year, but you can enjoy them, cut them off when they die, and the plant will just keep on going. Cutting off dead flower heads or flower stalks is called "Deadheading" and keeps the plant going strong and productive. If you leave too much dead plant material on a plant, it can lead to reduced production and disease.
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Post by clumsythumbs on Mar 17, 2019 17:15:59 GMT -5
That is great information to know! Thank you  |
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Shawn
Administrator
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Post by Shawn on Mar 17, 2019 17:33:59 GMT -5
Also, keeping water cold helps slow the bolting as well.
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Post by clumsythumbs on Mar 17, 2019 17:46:57 GMT -5
Yes, that makes sense. The water has been cold, as I add about a gallon of fresh cool water every other day and pop in a few ice cubes after dinner. I think it may have started to go that direction when a few weeks ago I was gone for 16 hour days and did not harvest and a lot of the leaves got gigantic. But yeah keeping things cool would make sense to keep it producing and not flowering.
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